A motorcyclist riding through Yellowstone National Park had a narrow escape recently when passing too close to one of the park's bison during the rut. The animal was standing about a foot from the roadside as a group of people road alongside. Although the first rider passed without incident, the bison was clearly upset by their presence and bluff charged the second,
The incident was captured by cameras on two motorcycles, allowing you to see it from different angles. Although the bison didn't make contact, the rider had a passenger riding pillion, who screamed and can be seen trying to dodge, potentially making the bike unsteady.
The clip, which you can watch below, was shared on Instagram by TouronsOfYellowstone, which highlights bad and careless behavior at US National Parks.
As travel site Destination Yellowstone explains, it's OK to ride a motorcycle through the park, but there are some important rules to follow.
First of all, you should never exceed the posted speed limit of 45mph. Yellowstone is spread over three states with different rules on helmets, so it's wise to wear one at all times to avoid accidentally breaking any laws (and for safety).
Unlike the riders in the video, you should also be very careful around wildlife. The park is home to bison, elk, moose, bears, bighorn sheep and many other animals, and if one is crossing a road, you should wait and turn your engine off until it's safely past. The National Park Service advises staying 100 yards (91 meters) from bears and wolves, and 25 yards (23 meters) from bison, elk, and all other wildlife.
Bison and elk can be particularly unpredictable in late summer and early fall, which is their breeding season (known as the rut). During this time males are particularly territorial, and may be more likely to see you as a threat. For more advice, see our guide how to avoid being gored by a bison.
